The fashion industry's use of wafer-thin models has long been the subject of heated debate worldwide. Critics say the practice promotes an unhealthy b
The fashion industry’s use of wafer-thin models has long been the subject of heated debate worldwide. Critics say the practice promotes an unhealthy body image among women, which can contribute to triggering anorexia and other eating disorders and a preoccupation with unrealistic measures of perfection.
In 2012, Israel was the first country to ban the employment of a model whose body mass index did not meet a certain standard and was among the first to make it mandatory for advertisers to indicate a photo shopped image. Other nations quickly followed suit, with some like France, the hub of the fashion industry even drafting stricter laws with more severe punishments like fines and jail sentences on those who fail to comply
As such, those countries have seen greater improvements across the industry. Now, Israel is working to tighten up its own laws to promote a more positive body image amid concern that the measures are being routinely flouted even as they are adopted abroad.
“The problem with the Israeli law is that there’s no punishment.So you continue using skinny girls and no one cares,” said Israeli photographer, Adi Barkan, in comments reinforced by a recent Israeli parliamentary report that revealed the ineffectiveness of the existing law.
Israeli lawmaker Nurit Koran, with the backing of 42 other members of the Knesset, the country’s parliament, has now prepared a draft bill she hopes will rectify the shortcomings. Under Koran’s proposed changes, state authorities would for the first time be able to fine agencies and others who flout the law and would require a doctor to see an applicant in person, not just approve their application over the telephone.
“The fashion industry needs to know it can no longer ignore the law,” said Koran, who said she took up the cause after watching the daughter of a close friend struggle with anorexia.
Her move coincides with an announcement by major global fashion firms, including Christian Dior and Gucci that they will stop hiring underweight models for catwalks.
Former Israeli supermodel Maayan Keret said she had developed an eating disorder after she “felt a lot of pressure from everyone” to continually lose weight. Now, having overcome the disease, she works to promote positive body images.
“The standards women and girls see everywhere of beauty are not natural,” Keret said. “They see those images. And they think that’s the way it should be.
